Android 17 Beta 4 Arrives for Pixels: The Final Scheduled Preview Before Launch

Daily Technology

17/04/2026

Google has officially released Android 17 Beta 4 for Pixel devices, marking the last scheduled beta update in the development cycle. This release comes three weeks after the previous beta and focuses on refining the user experience and addressing a significant number of bugs.

Key Takeaways

Android 17 Beta 4 is the final planned beta release.
New app memory limits are being introduced to enhance system stability.
Numerous critical bugs and issues have been resolved.

App Memory Limits Introduced

Android 17 Beta 4 introduces a new feature designed to improve system stability and user experience: app memory limits. These limits are dynamically set based on the device's total RAM. The goal is to create a more predictable environment for applications and users by proactively managing memory usage, targeting extreme memory leaks that can lead to UI stuttering, increased battery drain, and unexpected app closures.

Major Bug Fixes in Beta 4

This latest beta release squashes a substantial list of issues, enhancing the overall stability and functionality of Android 17. Key fixes include:

Resolved an issue where sharing screenshots would automatically include webpage URLs.
Addressed a critical accessibility bug that could render devices unresponsive.
Fixed problems with the media control widget disappearing or failing to switch between media sessions.
Corrected issues with dream services not processing key events or executing callbacks properly.
Ensured cinematic and local weather wallpaper effects can be downloaded and applied successfully.
Eliminated device freezes and spontaneous restarts that occurred during messaging app usage.
Addressed system instability leading to hangs and crashes during normal operation.
Fixed significantly reduced charging speeds when approaching 80% battery.
Corrected a rendering issue causing multicolored lines to appear on the display.
Prevented System UI crashes and device freezes when pulling down the notification drawer during feedback reporting.
Resolved crashes and unresponsiveness in critical system components like Pixel Launcher after reboot.
Fixed an accessibility issue affecting split-screen view interactions.
Ensured Bluetooth can be re-enabled after being turned off.
Addressed an issue where notifications marked as silent might still play alert sounds.
Resolved problems preventing Wi-Fi analyzer apps from detecting signals.

Availability

Android 17 Beta 4 system images are available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the upcoming Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series. Users can join the Android Beta Program for an over-the-air update. Feedback can be provided through the Android Beta Feedback app on Pixel devices or the Android Beta community on Reddit.

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